Hicketts hasn't had a particularly good season so far with the Grand Rapids Griffins, with just six assists and eight points in 43 games, but he earned the call because of the impression he made last season, when he helped the Griffins win the Calder Cup.

“Joe has a couple things that I love,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “He’s got swagger and he’s got a great brain for the game. I think we could use some of that swagger. We need a little more offense from our back end. He hasn’t had an unreal year production-wise this year, but if you look historically, certainly his point production last year as a rookie, his point production his last year of juniors, were great.

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“He had a great training camp for us, so we’re going to give him a look. I don’t if it will be a long look or a short look – he’ll have something to say about that, but again, the swagger with which he plays and his ability to make plays offensively would be the reason why we’re bringing him up.”

Hicketts was not drafted. The Wings first signed him in September of 2014, after he made a favorable impression at training camp. He had 61 points in 59 games in 2015-16 with his junior team, the Victoria Royals (Western Hockey League) and then turned pro. Hicketts represented Canada at the 2015 World Junior championship (three assists in seven games), winning gold, and represented Canada again at the 2016 World Junior championship (three points in five games).

“He’s excelled at every level,” Blashill said. “His skill set doesn’t scream NHL in terms of skating, size, body, all that, but he’s proven people wrong his whole life. He was one of the best defensemen when he played for the Canadian World Junior team, was out there in big moments. He was a big piece of the Calder Cup championship team last year in Grand Rapids.

“He brings stuff to the table that I think can help our team.”

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Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill talks about the death of USA Hockey's Jim Johannson on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena. Video by Helene St. James

The Wings have lost four of their last five games, and have just 10 goals during the stretch, four of them from one game.

Maybe Hicketts can provide a little spark.

“He can definitely play power play,” Frk said. “He’s got a good shot. Also for how small he is, he can hit really hard. He can be very physical. His first pass is always good.”

Hicketts was not at Wings practice on Sunday.

Injury updates

Blashill said Daley is out at least through Tuesday against the Flyers. Luke Glendening (right wrist) could be ready Tuesday. Justin Abdelkader (groin) could be ready Thursday against the Blackhawks. Darren Helm (lower body) isn’t expected back until after the All-Star break.